Though it’s only early October, ten impressive Scituate High School Class of 2026 student-athletes have already committed to play at the collegiate level. As only 6% of high school athletes will continue to play in college, it’s a commitment that requires an incredible balance of academic excellence and athletic dedication.
These ten outstanding student athletes include Michael Kostek playing baseball at George Mason University; Penelope Murray playing soccer at Castleton University; Jonathan Donovan playing football at Pitzer College; Anna Bradley playing volleyball at Hamilton College; Cameron Cerussi playing lacrosse at Endicott College; Ruth Collins playing field hockey at Colby College; Theodore Hare playing lacrosse at Assumption University; Molly Gould playing field hockey at Bates College; Owen Quinn playing lacrosse at Hampden-Sydney College; and Summer Crowley rowing at Fairfield University.
A lot more goes into this accomplishment than one might think. Kostek, a captain and starting pitcher on the baseball team, has been playing since second grade. Reflecting on his time playing sports here at SHS, Kostek said, “It’s a lot more fun to have practice with my friends–that’s what I like the most.” He also mentioned how his connections with his teammates extended beyond practices and games.
Kostek’s goal was to play at the Division 1 level; however, on August 1, 2024—when D1 coaches could officially talk to the class of 2026 athletes—Kostek heard nothing. It wasn’t until January of his junior year—a few days after he performed exceptionally well at a showcase in Georgia—that he received a phone call from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. After a campus visit, Kostek didn’t think twice, jumping on the opportunity to “play on TV” and compete against some of the best collegiate teams in the nation.
Hare, a captain and long-stick midfielder on the boys lacrosse team, is thrilled to continue making game-changing plays on defense at the Division 2 level at Assumption University in Worcester, MA. Playing a key role in the Sailors’ boys lacrosse Division 2 state championship last year, Hare’s history with Scituate Lacrosse dates back to kindergarten. Though being a long-stick midfielder requires impressive running skills, Hare noted that “representing such a successful sports town” has given him more confidence.
Though Assumption is located over an hour away, Hare said it’s still close to home, and the school is a great fit academically and financially–especially as he looks toward his future.
Bradley started playing volleyball as a freshman, but she quickly made an impact on the SHS team. Starting as a middle and then moving to outside, Bradley recently recorded her 500th career kill.
Bradley is very appreciative of the athletics at SHS, stating, “Scituate has shown me the love for the sport and the true nature of it, which is being together as a team and also those connections that you make with your teammates.”
All ten of this year’s committed athletes have put in the time and effort to become incredible student-athletes and role models for their classmates. Through their significant contribution to the athletic program, they will continue to pave the way for future generations of Scituate High School athletes.